New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science - a building with a billboard on the side of it
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New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

4.7
·5k reviews·Albuquerque, United States

Explore ancient worlds with incredible dinosaur fossils, captivating science exhibits, and immersive planetarium shows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science - a building with a billboard on the side of it

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient worlds with incredible dinosaur fossils, captivating science exhibits, and immersive planetarium shows.

4.7
(5k reviews)

"A great option for littles to be inside for a bit. The Dino at the entrance was the best!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Check for Free Admission

Utilize the Albuquerque Library's Discovery Pass for free entry!

🦕 Dino Enthusiast's Dream

Kids and adults alike rave about the dinosaur exhibits, especially the Bisti Beast.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Fossils

Dinosaur Fossils

Main Atrium & Exhibits

Marvel at impressive dinosaur skeletons and fossils, including a Tyrannosaurus rex relative and the Bisti Beast animatronic.

TikTok+2
Bisti Beast

Bisti Beast

Main Atrium

Come face-to-face with the impressive animatronic Bisti Beast, a highlight for many visitors.

TikTokReddit
Planetarium & Theater Shows

Planetarium & Theater Shows

Planetarium & Theater

Experience captivating shows like 'Mission to Mars' or 'Desert Elephants' for an immersive learning adventure.

Reddit
Bisticeratops Holotype Skull

Bisticeratops Holotype Skull

Exhibit Hall

See a rare display of original holotype bones, including the Bisticeratops skull.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit: Renovations & Exhibits

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science has undergone renovations. While some exhibits may be temporarily unavailable, key attractions like dinosaur fossils and the Bisti Beast remain accessible. Check their official website for the most current exhibit information and operating hours before your visit. TikTok

Affordable Family Fun

This museum is a budget-friendly option for families. Admission is reasonably priced, and special shows in the planetarium or theater offer great value. Look into the Albuquerque Library's Discovery Pass for potential free admission opportunities. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (post-lunch)
Why
Tour groups may thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Special Event Days
Why
Unique activities & atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Stop by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science to check out incredible fossils and other exhibits. #trueabq #albuquerque #dinosaurs #dinosaurfossils #naturalhistorymuseum
@visitalbuquerque
11K likes • 60.5K views

🎟️ Check for Free Admission

Utilize the Albuquerque Library's Discovery Pass for free entry! TikTok

🦕 Dino Enthusiast's Dream

Kids and adults alike rave about the dinosaur exhibits, especially the Bisti Beast. TikTok+1

•DINOSAUR•LOVERS• 📍New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science - Albuquerque, NM. My kiddos loved this place! And it was literally less than 30$ for my family of 4 including a short show in their theatre. Worth the stop if you’re in the city! #albuquerque #albuquerquenewmexico #albuquerquenm #albuquerquefamily #thingstodowithkids #museumtok #museumtiktok
@stahlontheroad
126 likes • 8.4K views
Have you heard of this one? The Bisticeratops holotype skull on display at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It isn’t every day one sees original holotype bones on display, and yet in the room I am standing in there are several! This particular skull is all that is known from a 2022 #chasmosaurine #ceratopsian called #Bisticeratops, or “Bisti Horn...
fossilcrates
431 likes • 6.1K views

🎬 Book Show Tickets Early

Purchase tickets at the counter for potential deals on planetarium and theater shows. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkable & Engaging

The museum is well-laid out and engaging for all ages, making it easy to navigate. Instagram

LOVE the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science 🦖🏜️🦕 so many great exhibits and very walkable! #newmexico #albuquerque #newmexicotrue #santafe #nmtrue #nm #abq #texas #arizona #photography #landofenchantment #rvlife #art #lascruces #foodiesofinstagram #southwest #travel #colorado #taos #newmexicolove #foodie #newmexicolife #nature #usa #travel #photography #burque #newmexicophotographe...
nmwanderers
2 likes • 125 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Check for Free Admission

Utilize the Albuquerque Library's Discovery Pass for free entry! TikTok

🦕 Dino Enthusiast's Dream

Kids and adults alike rave about the dinosaur exhibits, especially the Bisti Beast. TikTok+1

🎬 Book Show Tickets Early

Purchase tickets at the counter for potential deals on planetarium and theater shows. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkable & Engaging

The museum is well-laid out and engaging for all ages, making it easy to navigate. Instagram

🦈 Explore Shark Science

Discover the underwater past of New Mexico and its ancient shark inhabitants. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science for its engaging dinosaur exhibits and family-friendly atmosphere. While some exhibits may feel familiar to long-time locals, the interactive elements and planetarium shows remain a hit with children and adults alike. It's considered a great value for the price, offering an educational and fun experience for all ages.

"Great little museum! Not many exhibits that have changed since I was a kid growing home but my kids were done fast because it was “normal” for them. The earth quake part and the mars are was a huge favorite. Great option for littles to be inside for a bit. The Dino at the entrance was the best!"

Krystalyn Furgison

"My kids and I traveled to Albuquerque for a quick visit and had a great time at the museum. Prices were extremely reasonable and we enjoyed learning about the natural history of New Mexico. They have a lot of interactive exhibits that make visiting fun for all ages. The clerk at the front, Lisa, was wonderful and so friendly. Highly recommend buying tickets at the counter as you will get a great deal on show tickets. We saw the Mission to Mars show in the planetarium and the 3D Desert Elephants show. Such a great time!"

Janine Jarvis

"Always a fun time, I've been taking my son here since he could walk and now he's 11. He enjoys just as much too. We went for the Earth Day Family Event. I thought it was going to be a little more educational but still had some cute crafts to do. Love the new area especially the post card set up but wish they still had the space area."

Amanda M

What People Like

Dinosaur exhibits
Interactive displays
Planetarium shows

What People Dislike

Some exhibits unchanged

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in downtown Albuquerque. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options also serve the area. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there are parking facilities available near the museum. It's advisable to check for any associated parking fees upon arrival. TikTok

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. TikTok

The museum is generally accessible. It's recommended to contact them directly for specific accessibility information regarding exhibits and facilities. Instagram

If you're coming from Santa Fe, driving is the most direct option. Alternatively, you can explore bus or train services that connect the two cities. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are generally reasonable, especially for families. You can often find good deals on show tickets when purchasing at the counter. TikTokReddit

Yes, the Albuquerque Library offers a Discovery Pass that can grant free admission. Keep an eye out for special free event days as well. TikTokReddit

While online ticket purchasing might be available, many visitors recommend buying tickets at the counter to potentially secure better deals on show tickets. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, and the museum has undergone renovations. It's crucial to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. TikTok

Yes, the museum is very family-friendly with interactive exhibits that engage children of all ages. The dinosaur exhibits are a particular hit. TikTokReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the impressive dinosaur skeletons, the animatronic Bisti Beast, and the Bisticeratops holotype skull. The planetarium and theater shows are also highly recommended. TikTokInstagramReddit+2

Most visitors spend a good portion of the morning or afternoon exploring the exhibits. You can easily spend 3-4 hours here, especially if you catch a show. TikTok

Yes, the museum features many interactive exhibits designed to make learning fun and engaging for children. InstagramReddit

The museum offers a variety of shows, including space exploration (like 'Mission to Mars') and educational films about natural history. Reddit

Weekends can be busier, especially during peak hours. Visiting on a weekday morning is often recommended for a less crowded experience. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Information about on-site dining options can vary. It's best to check the museum's official website or inquire upon arrival for current food service availability. TikTok

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside museum exhibit halls. There might be designated areas for picnics. TikTok

Downtown Albuquerque offers a variety of restaurants and cafes within walking distance or a short drive from the museum. TikTok

Albuquerque is known for its delicious New Mexican cuisine, including green chile and red chile dishes. You'll find many local eateries serving these specialties. Instagram

If the museum has a cafe, they typically offer kid-friendly options. Otherwise, many nearby restaurants cater to families. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always check for signage. TikTok

The dinosaur exhibits, especially the Bisti Beast and the T-Rex relative fossils, make for dramatic photos. The Bisticeratops skull is also a unique photo opportunity. TikTokInstagram+1

Video recording for personal use is usually permitted, similar to photography. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific museum policies. TikTok

The large dinosaur skeletons and the Bisti Beast animatronic are very 'Instagrammable.' The new displays also offer visually interesting content. TikTokInstagram+1

Natural light can be limited inside, but the museum's lighting is generally good for photos. Weekday mornings might offer fewer people in your shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is an excellent choice for families. The interactive exhibits, particularly those focused on dinosaurs and earthquakes, are a huge hit with children. TikTokReddit The Bisti Beast animatronic is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering thrilling photo opportunities. TikTok Consider catching a show in the planetarium or theater for an added layer of entertainment and education. Reddit

Budget-wise, this museum is very accessible. Admission prices are reasonable, and utilizing the Albuquerque Library's Discovery Pass can even make it a free outing. TikTok The museum is well-laid out and easy to navigate, making it a stress-free experience for parents. Instagram Many reviewers mention their children thoroughly enjoying their visits, with some kids loving it so much they want to return. TikTokReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science offers fantastic value. Admission is affordably priced, and the Albuquerque Library's Discovery Pass is a key tip for potentially scoring free entry. TikTok Even at full price, many visitors find the admission fees well worth the experience, especially when considering the quality of exhibits and the option to purchase discounted show tickets at the counter. Reddit

Beyond admission, the museum provides hours of engaging entertainment without requiring additional spending. The dinosaur exhibits and interactive displays are captivating for all ages, ensuring a memorable experience without breaking the bank. TikTokInstagram+1 Packing your own snacks or planning a visit to nearby affordable eateries can further enhance the budget-friendly nature of your trip. TikTok

🤓 Science & History Buffs

This museum is a must-visit for anyone with a passion for natural history and science. Explore impressive fossil collections, including rare holotype specimens like the Bisticeratops skull, offering deep dives into paleontology. TikTokInstagram The exhibits on New Mexico's ancient past, from its underwater eras to its dinosaur inhabitants, provide rich historical context. TikTok+1

Beyond fossils, delve into earth science and space exploration through engaging displays and captivating planetarium shows. Reddit The museum's commitment to scientific accuracy and presentation makes it an intellectually stimulating destination. TikTok Engage with the detailed information and discover new insights into the natural world and beyond. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Age of Dinosaurs at the Museum

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is a treasure trove for dinosaur enthusiasts. Visitors can marvel at impressive dinosaur skeletons, including a Tyrannosaurus rex relative that predates the famous T-Rex by millions of years. TikTok The museum also features the captivating Bisti Beast, an animatronic dinosaur that brings prehistoric creatures to life. TikTok These exhibits provide a vivid glimpse into the ancient world that once roamed New Mexico. TikTok

Beyond the large skeletons, the museum showcases a variety of fossils and paleontological discoveries. You can learn about the Triassic period and the creatures that inhabited the region millions of years ago. TikTok The Bisticeratops holotype skull is a particularly rare and fascinating display, offering a close-up look at actual fossilized remains. Instagram The museum's commitment to showcasing these ancient wonders makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in paleontology. TikTok

Many visitors, especially families, find the dinosaur exhibits to be the highlight of their visit. The combination of realistic displays and informative content makes for an educational and exciting experience. TikTokReddit Whether you're a seasoned fossil hunter or just curious about dinosaurs, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science offers an unforgettable journey back in time. TikTok

Beyond Dinosaurs: Science and Space Exploration

While dinosaurs are a major draw, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science offers a broader exploration of scientific wonders. The museum features exhibits on earth science, including interactive displays that simulate earthquakes, which are a hit with younger visitors. Reddit There's also a dedicated focus on space exploration, with exhibits that delve into the mysteries of Mars and the cosmos. Reddit

The planetarium and theater are integral parts of the museum experience, offering immersive shows that transport visitors to distant galaxies or deep into the natural world. Reddit Shows like 'Mission to Mars' and 'Desert Elephants' provide engaging and educational content for all ages. Reddit These presentations enhance the learning experience, making complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting. TikTok

Visitors have praised the museum's ability to blend different scientific disciplines, creating a comprehensive learning environment. Instagram From the ancient past of dinosaurs to the future of space travel, the museum provides a dynamic and enriching experience for curious minds. TikTok

Community and Nostalgia

For many long-time residents, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science holds a special place in their hearts, evoking fond childhood memories. TikTok+1 The museum has been a staple in Albuquerque for years, and its exhibits often bring a sense of nostalgia for adults who visited as children. TikTok

Recent renovations and the museum's ongoing commitment to education have been met with appreciation from the community. TikTok+1 Events like the 'Farewell Celebration' highlight the museum's role as a community hub, bringing people together to celebrate science and discovery. TikTok The sentiment of preserving these cherished spaces for future generations is strong among visitors. Reddit

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